What is the statute of limitations for civil actions?

The statute of limitations for civil actions in Kansas is the amount of time that a plaintiff has to file a lawsuit after the harm has occurred. In Kansas, a plaintiff must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury, even if the cause of the injury was not known to the plaintiff until later. This is known as the two year “discovery rule.” If a defendant has fraudulently concealed the cause of action, the plaintiff has up to five years to file a lawsuit. If the plaintiff is a minor, then the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the minor reaches the age of 18. This gives the minor additional time to file a lawsuit when he or she has reached the age of majority. Some civil actions, such as for libel, have a shorter period of one year. As the time to file a lawsuit passes, the plaintiff loses the right to bring the action, and thus all claims or damages associated with it. If the statute of limitations has expired, filing a lawsuit would typically be fruitless because the court would likely dismiss the case. It is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to make sure the applicable statute of limitations has not expired.

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